The holidays always bring mixed emotions for me. On one hand, there is a newness and excitement that comes with the first snowfall, houses glistening with Christmas lights, and beautiful music only played one month out of the year.
However, as I grow older, some of the magic of Christmas seems lost. My wonderful family was torn apart by divorce – and their decisions continue to tear at my heart. Instead of looking forward to spending time with my entire family, I dread it. On other occasions, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of being alone. Sometimes it seems like the holidays bring more heartache and headaches than happiness. And deep down in my heart, I am sad because I know things weren’t meant to be this way.
Recently, one night when I was feeling especially alone and discouraged, God spoke to my heart. He didn’t say a lot, just one word. And that word has made all the difference.
“Immanuel.”
“God with us.”
Have you ever stopped to think what Immanuel means to YOU? God is with you. Here. Now. You don’t have to be afraid, alone, or anxious. God is WITH you.
The word “Immanuel” is best known for its part in the Christmas Story. An Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled when Matthew describes the birth of Jesus, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us.’” Jesus left everything beautiful and glorious to be with us. We are no longer alone. Immanuel is used other times to encourage the people of Israel not to fear when surrounding nations threatened to annihilate their cities. Psalm 46 begins with the words, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” The author goes on to say how wherever God’s presence is, life comes flowing out. Finally, the psalm concludes with a command and a promise, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Immanuel.
Jesus is here.
The situations I encounter won’t be any different this Christmas. My family is the same. My relationships are the same. My feelings are the same. But God has made the story of Jesus come alive to me in a completely new way. He is here with me. I am not alone.
Here is my challenge to you. As you go through this holiday season, look for ways that Jesus shows he is with you. Sometimes its big things, but other times he reveals himself in small ways we usually overlook. Look for opportunities to share a story of how God has been with you. Instead of focusing on the busyness, the shopping, or even the feelings of loss and loneliness, stop. Be still and know that the Almighty God is with YOU. He is Immanuel.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Walking with God
“The test of a man’s religious life and character is not what he does in the exceptional moments of life, but what he does in the ordinary times.” - Oswald Chambers
“Enoch walked with God.” - Genesis 5:24
“They will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
Ten thousand steps. If you are a healthy, physically fit individual, you will walk an average of ten thousand steps each day. This year, we were each given a pedometer at work to count our steps. I never realized before how much I depend on walking to move from one place to another. From my bed to the bathroom in the morning is ten steps. At work, I take between three thousand and five thousand steps each day!
Walking is a huge part of everyday life for most people. Its so normal, we rarely even think about it. Sure, athletes run, children skip, and teenagers find more reasons to drive than we thought possible. But, if you lose your ability to walk, you would probably have to alter your entire lifestyle.
I never realized the Bible makes so many references to walking – and I’m not talking about a literal mode of transportation. One of the most common phrases about walking is to “walk with God.”
What does walking with God look like? It is a faithfulness, a steadfastness, a continuous choice to follow God and to live to please him. It is a decision to obey God in the ordinary times of life. When He seems silent, you still follow. When people disappoint or frustrate you, you still follow. Walking with God is a deliberate choice in the mountains, the valleys, and the mundane to let God form you into the person He created you to be.
I think walking with God can be one of the most difficult parts of our relationship with him. It is so normal, its easy to lose sight of God and get caught up in the discouragement, busyness, or apathy so prevalent today. We can get comfortable in our lives and depend on our own strength to get us through the day.
In his book, “My Utmost for His Highest,” Oswald Chambers challenges us to live for God in the ordinary things. He says, “Walking on the water is easy to impulsive pluck, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is a different thing…We do not need the grace of God to stand crises, human nature and pride are sufficient, we can face the strain magnificently; but it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours in every day as a saint, to go through drudgery as a disciple, to live an ordinary, unobserved, ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus…We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people.”
God has been teaching me over and over again to walk with him daily. Each day, I have the choice to be obedient and live for him, or to do things my own way. Below are some verses from scripture, as well as quotes from Oswald Chambers I have been reading in his book, “My Utmost for His Highest” that have spoken to me regarding what it means to walk with God.
“…Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and let them up a high mountain, where they were all alone.” - Mark 9:2
“We are not built for the mountains…we are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle.” - Oswald Chambers
“We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to have the vision batter’d to shape and used by God? The batterings always come in commonplace ways and through commonplace people.” - Oswald Chambers
Ask God to help you walk with him each day. Even when life is usual. Even when He seems silent. Ask Him to give you the grace to be “exceptional in the ordinary.”
“Enoch walked with God.” - Genesis 5:24
“They will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
Ten thousand steps. If you are a healthy, physically fit individual, you will walk an average of ten thousand steps each day. This year, we were each given a pedometer at work to count our steps. I never realized before how much I depend on walking to move from one place to another. From my bed to the bathroom in the morning is ten steps. At work, I take between three thousand and five thousand steps each day!
Walking is a huge part of everyday life for most people. Its so normal, we rarely even think about it. Sure, athletes run, children skip, and teenagers find more reasons to drive than we thought possible. But, if you lose your ability to walk, you would probably have to alter your entire lifestyle.
I never realized the Bible makes so many references to walking – and I’m not talking about a literal mode of transportation. One of the most common phrases about walking is to “walk with God.”
What does walking with God look like? It is a faithfulness, a steadfastness, a continuous choice to follow God and to live to please him. It is a decision to obey God in the ordinary times of life. When He seems silent, you still follow. When people disappoint or frustrate you, you still follow. Walking with God is a deliberate choice in the mountains, the valleys, and the mundane to let God form you into the person He created you to be.
I think walking with God can be one of the most difficult parts of our relationship with him. It is so normal, its easy to lose sight of God and get caught up in the discouragement, busyness, or apathy so prevalent today. We can get comfortable in our lives and depend on our own strength to get us through the day.
In his book, “My Utmost for His Highest,” Oswald Chambers challenges us to live for God in the ordinary things. He says, “Walking on the water is easy to impulsive pluck, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is a different thing…We do not need the grace of God to stand crises, human nature and pride are sufficient, we can face the strain magnificently; but it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours in every day as a saint, to go through drudgery as a disciple, to live an ordinary, unobserved, ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus…We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people.”
God has been teaching me over and over again to walk with him daily. Each day, I have the choice to be obedient and live for him, or to do things my own way. Below are some verses from scripture, as well as quotes from Oswald Chambers I have been reading in his book, “My Utmost for His Highest” that have spoken to me regarding what it means to walk with God.
“…Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and let them up a high mountain, where they were all alone.” - Mark 9:2
“We are not built for the mountains…we are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle.” - Oswald Chambers
“We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to have the vision batter’d to shape and used by God? The batterings always come in commonplace ways and through commonplace people.” - Oswald Chambers
Ask God to help you walk with him each day. Even when life is usual. Even when He seems silent. Ask Him to give you the grace to be “exceptional in the ordinary.”
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Still Missing You.
goodbye dana,
i miss poking my head into your room
talking to you about your family
sharing ideas for cool lessons
and making copies for you
i miss eating at china go and chipotle
looking at each other
when we don't know what everyone else is talking about
and walking to staff meetings together
i miss having someone to look after me
or someone to talk about life with
and having you listen to me
or just knowing you're grading papers too, right next door
its good to know i'll see you again
but its going to be a long wait
and it hurts so bad to think of all the things
we had hoped to do together
i don't understand why
God took you away so soon
or so suddenly
but i know he loves us
so let's rest in His unfailing arms
whether at home with Him
or here on earth
because He is near
but,
i still miss talking about Jesus
and your encouragement
and your smile
and your friendship
i guess i just miss you.
dear dana,
its hard to believe it has been a year since we were last together. it is still painful to think of what might have been, or how hard this past year has been for your family and friends. we miss you dearly, and i can't count the number of times i've cried because i wish you were still here. but God is good. he has given us the grace to make it through one year without you, and he will continue to give us comfort and hope when we need it most.
i miss you so much. today, i was thinking about colossians 3 - the chapter God put on both of our hearts just before your accident. "When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." i'm looking forward to the time when we both will be with Jesus in all his glory, because HE is our life.
i miss poking my head into your room
talking to you about your family
sharing ideas for cool lessons
and making copies for you
i miss eating at china go and chipotle
looking at each other
when we don't know what everyone else is talking about
and walking to staff meetings together
i miss having someone to look after me
or someone to talk about life with
and having you listen to me
or just knowing you're grading papers too, right next door
its good to know i'll see you again
but its going to be a long wait
and it hurts so bad to think of all the things
we had hoped to do together
i don't understand why
God took you away so soon
or so suddenly
but i know he loves us
so let's rest in His unfailing arms
whether at home with Him
or here on earth
because He is near
but,
i still miss talking about Jesus
and your encouragement
and your smile
and your friendship
i guess i just miss you.
dear dana,
its hard to believe it has been a year since we were last together. it is still painful to think of what might have been, or how hard this past year has been for your family and friends. we miss you dearly, and i can't count the number of times i've cried because i wish you were still here. but God is good. he has given us the grace to make it through one year without you, and he will continue to give us comfort and hope when we need it most.
i miss you so much. today, i was thinking about colossians 3 - the chapter God put on both of our hearts just before your accident. "When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." i'm looking forward to the time when we both will be with Jesus in all his glory, because HE is our life.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Love is...
What is love?
We write countless songs about it.
What is love?
We say we love our hobbies...fishing, reading, playing a sport, singing.
What is love?
We say we love our friends and families.
What is love?
I thought I knew what love was. I thought I did a pretty good job of loving others. In my mission statement, I said that I am created to love God and to love others. But what does that really mean? What does that look like in every day life?
Nothing has taught me more about love than teaching. When I first started the education program in college, I was required to write a "Why I Want To Teach" paper. In that paper I said that I wanted to teach because I love God, and therefore I want to express that love to others - especially kids.
I loved children because I thought they were lovable.
It didn't take long in my first year of teaching to realize a serious flaw in my thinking. Children are NOT lovable. Oh, if you spend an hour or two with them, they are cute and funny, and you think they are lovable. But spend an extended amount of time with them and you will find something totally different. They try your patience. They are self-centered. They are rude. They are ungrateful. They argue. They are disobedient, lazy, and the list goes on.
And while I tried my hardest to love these little obnoxious, squirrelly kids, I just couldn't do it. They weren't lovable.
But I've come to realize something that I've always known...yet never really let sink in to my heart. NOBODY is lovable. Not in the terms of behaving in a way that deserves love. We ALL are self-centered, rude, ungrateful, argumentative, lazy, etc.
But God loves us. Even though we are unlovable. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrated his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Wow. We are completely undeserving of God's love, but he pours it out on us anyway. Even to the point of dying for us.
As I started this school year, God put 1 Corinthians 13 on my heart. "Love is patient. Love is kind." Love isn't meant to be used like money - lavished on those we like and withheld from those we don't. It is to be given freely to all. Especially the ones who try your patience. Especially to the ones it is difficult to be kind to. I want to speak love to everyone - not only through my words, but also through my actions. I want to love others the way God loves me - not because I am lovable, but because love is meant to be given to all.
When you encounter people this year, don't expect them to be lovable - because they're not. But make a decision to love them, regardless of how they act or make you feel. Remember what Jesus did for you. Memorize 1 Corinthians 13 and ask God to make you into a person who doesn't withhold love from anyone, but gives freely to all.
We write countless songs about it.
What is love?
We say we love our hobbies...fishing, reading, playing a sport, singing.
What is love?
We say we love our friends and families.
What is love?
I thought I knew what love was. I thought I did a pretty good job of loving others. In my mission statement, I said that I am created to love God and to love others. But what does that really mean? What does that look like in every day life?
Nothing has taught me more about love than teaching. When I first started the education program in college, I was required to write a "Why I Want To Teach" paper. In that paper I said that I wanted to teach because I love God, and therefore I want to express that love to others - especially kids.
I loved children because I thought they were lovable.
It didn't take long in my first year of teaching to realize a serious flaw in my thinking. Children are NOT lovable. Oh, if you spend an hour or two with them, they are cute and funny, and you think they are lovable. But spend an extended amount of time with them and you will find something totally different. They try your patience. They are self-centered. They are rude. They are ungrateful. They argue. They are disobedient, lazy, and the list goes on.
And while I tried my hardest to love these little obnoxious, squirrelly kids, I just couldn't do it. They weren't lovable.
But I've come to realize something that I've always known...yet never really let sink in to my heart. NOBODY is lovable. Not in the terms of behaving in a way that deserves love. We ALL are self-centered, rude, ungrateful, argumentative, lazy, etc.
But God loves us. Even though we are unlovable. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrated his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Wow. We are completely undeserving of God's love, but he pours it out on us anyway. Even to the point of dying for us.
As I started this school year, God put 1 Corinthians 13 on my heart. "Love is patient. Love is kind." Love isn't meant to be used like money - lavished on those we like and withheld from those we don't. It is to be given freely to all. Especially the ones who try your patience. Especially to the ones it is difficult to be kind to. I want to speak love to everyone - not only through my words, but also through my actions. I want to love others the way God loves me - not because I am lovable, but because love is meant to be given to all.
When you encounter people this year, don't expect them to be lovable - because they're not. But make a decision to love them, regardless of how they act or make you feel. Remember what Jesus did for you. Memorize 1 Corinthians 13 and ask God to make you into a person who doesn't withhold love from anyone, but gives freely to all.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The Perfect Date
What is your idea of a perfect date? Long walks on moonlit beaches, April 24 because "its not too hot, its not too cold, all you need is a light jacket"?
Lately, I've found myself caught up in the "to-do" lists of my busy schedule. I move from one appointment to the next. And while I make time for my job, friends, family, and myself, I've left out one important person.
So, yesterday I decided to make a change. I went on a date. While we've spent time together in "group" activities, I've made little effort to spend a lot of one-on-one time with him. We didn't do anything elaborate, we just sat down on a dock at my favorite park and enjoyed each other's company. That's probably what I'd consider the perfect date.
We didn't spend a lot of time talking about frivolous things. He wanted me to share from my heart. I told him about the things that we worrying me, the things I was anxious about, the things that just made me sad. I told him that sometimes I felt like he wasn't taking care of me, protecting me, making me happy. I told him that sometimes I felt really lonely.
But then I stopped and listened to him. And he was honest with me. He didn't tell me I was silly or stupid or stubborn. He just reminded me about himself:
"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them."
"The Lord watches over all who love him."
"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"
"Therefore we do not lose heart...For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes, not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
"Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God'? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. The will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Have you had a date with Jesus lately? Have you been too busy to spend time just listening to him? We slot activities, people, and tasks into our schedules, but rarely set aside time with the one person who always speaks the truth, who is the God of all comfort, and who can truly satisfy the desires of your heart.
Get away. Go to your favorite place and spend time with him every day. Enjoy your perfect date.
Lately, I've found myself caught up in the "to-do" lists of my busy schedule. I move from one appointment to the next. And while I make time for my job, friends, family, and myself, I've left out one important person.
So, yesterday I decided to make a change. I went on a date. While we've spent time together in "group" activities, I've made little effort to spend a lot of one-on-one time with him. We didn't do anything elaborate, we just sat down on a dock at my favorite park and enjoyed each other's company. That's probably what I'd consider the perfect date.
We didn't spend a lot of time talking about frivolous things. He wanted me to share from my heart. I told him about the things that we worrying me, the things I was anxious about, the things that just made me sad. I told him that sometimes I felt like he wasn't taking care of me, protecting me, making me happy. I told him that sometimes I felt really lonely.
But then I stopped and listened to him. And he was honest with me. He didn't tell me I was silly or stupid or stubborn. He just reminded me about himself:
"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them."
"The Lord watches over all who love him."
"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"
"Therefore we do not lose heart...For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes, not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
"Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God'? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. The will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Have you had a date with Jesus lately? Have you been too busy to spend time just listening to him? We slot activities, people, and tasks into our schedules, but rarely set aside time with the one person who always speaks the truth, who is the God of all comfort, and who can truly satisfy the desires of your heart.
Get away. Go to your favorite place and spend time with him every day. Enjoy your perfect date.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Thailand
Well, I am going to Thailand. Hopefully.
From July 10-25 I will be traveling to Thailand with 11 other WONDERFUL adults and high school students. During this time we will be working with students at an international school leading a sports camp for children in the area and visiting an AIDS orphanage. We will also be staying in a Lahu village and working with missionaries at a seminary there. Building a wall around the seminary complex will be one of our projects.
Satan has already been working really hard to discourage me from going on this trip. From the beginning, I've had a difficult time with my passport. I lost my passport from my Europe trip three years ago. So, I applied for a new passport. Now, I am $90 poorer, and I still don't have my new passport. No one can explain why it is taking so long for my passport to be processed, and the chances of me getting it before the team leaves Tuesday morning are slim to none. This has been terribly discouraging for me, but I can only trust that God is using this in his plan for our team, and I hope that I can bring him glory through this situation.
***Update******************************************
My passport was shipped to Chicago this afternoon. I should be picking it up in the airport during my 9:05 a.m.-12:45 layover.
Please pray that the airlines will accept my letter from Sam Brownback explaining why I don't have my passport at the Wichita airport and let me on the plane Tuesday morning at 5:30 (This flight is considered an international flight and they rarely let people on w/o a passport). Also pray that I will be able to get my passport and board my flight to Thailand during my layover in Chicago.
Thanks!!!
****************************************************
Please pray for our team!
- Pray for our ministry there - that our eyes would be open to see where God is working and that we would be willling to join with him in that work.
- Pray that our actions and words would reflect Jesus at all times.
- Pray for wisdom - especially for the adults as we have to make decisions in a culture that is very different from our own.
- Pray that God would change us - through our experiences and through his Word.
- Pray that we would recognize Satan's attacks for what they are and for the strength to be able to stand firm and resist him.
If you would like to email me, please send emails to this address with my name in the subject line: lrry_frnd@yahoo.com. You can also check our website for pictures and daily updates: wefcmissions.org. I would GREATLY appreciate your prayer and emails!!!
Thailand Missions Team 2007
"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
- Ephesians 3:20-21
From July 10-25 I will be traveling to Thailand with 11 other WONDERFUL adults and high school students. During this time we will be working with students at an international school leading a sports camp for children in the area and visiting an AIDS orphanage. We will also be staying in a Lahu village and working with missionaries at a seminary there. Building a wall around the seminary complex will be one of our projects.
Satan has already been working really hard to discourage me from going on this trip. From the beginning, I've had a difficult time with my passport. I lost my passport from my Europe trip three years ago. So, I applied for a new passport. Now, I am $90 poorer, and I still don't have my new passport. No one can explain why it is taking so long for my passport to be processed, and the chances of me getting it before the team leaves Tuesday morning are slim to none. This has been terribly discouraging for me, but I can only trust that God is using this in his plan for our team, and I hope that I can bring him glory through this situation.
***Update******************************************
My passport was shipped to Chicago this afternoon. I should be picking it up in the airport during my 9:05 a.m.-12:45 layover.
Please pray that the airlines will accept my letter from Sam Brownback explaining why I don't have my passport at the Wichita airport and let me on the plane Tuesday morning at 5:30 (This flight is considered an international flight and they rarely let people on w/o a passport). Also pray that I will be able to get my passport and board my flight to Thailand during my layover in Chicago.
Thanks!!!
****************************************************
Please pray for our team!
- Pray for our ministry there - that our eyes would be open to see where God is working and that we would be willling to join with him in that work.
- Pray that our actions and words would reflect Jesus at all times.
- Pray for wisdom - especially for the adults as we have to make decisions in a culture that is very different from our own.
- Pray that God would change us - through our experiences and through his Word.
- Pray that we would recognize Satan's attacks for what they are and for the strength to be able to stand firm and resist him.
If you would like to email me, please send emails to this address with my name in the subject line: lrry_frnd@yahoo.com. You can also check our website for pictures and daily updates: wefcmissions.org. I would GREATLY appreciate your prayer and emails!!!
Thailand Missions Team 2007
"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
- Ephesians 3:20-21
Friday, May 11, 2007
monkey see, monkey do
So, this February I got my cartilage pierced. I'd been wanting to do it for a long time (probably 4 years), and I'd finally forgotten all the reasons why I DIDN'T get it pierced before. (Just so you know, I love it!) Anyways, it didn't take my kids long to notice. For about a week I had to answer all kinds of questions, "Did it hurt?" "Why did you do that?" etc. Well, today I noticed one of the girls in my 3rd hour had taken a plastic ring from her agenda binding and "pierced" her cartilage too. Hmmm...don't know how I should feel about that one...or what her parents will do if they see her new "piercing." Just a funny reminder of what kind of an impact we can have on the lives & decisions of others!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
though i feel alone
I never walk alone,
Christ walks beside me,
He is the dearest friend I’ve ever known;
with such a friend to comfort and to guide me,
I never, no,
I never walk alone.
- Unknown
Christ walks beside me,
He is the dearest friend I’ve ever known;
with such a friend to comfort and to guide me,
I never, no,
I never walk alone.
- Unknown
Friday, April 20, 2007
what are you going to pursue?
When I graduated from high school & college, I was showered with cards from family friends and relatives. Inscribed on these cards were all the typical sayings, “Follow your dreams,” or “Reach for the stars!” Graduation speeches are full of encouragement to pursue your dreams because YOU will accomplish great things.
We pursue a number of things in our lives. As children, we chase after a toy or video we really want. In middle and high school, we pursue good grades, relationships, iPods, etc. We might pursue excellence in our talents and abilities like playing a sport or a musical instrument. We spend money, time, and sometimes even sacrifice relationships to get what we want. This doesn’t stop when we graduate from high school. In college we dedicate hours of our lives toward a degree. Afterwards we pursue success in our jobs, newer cars…and the list goes on.
And while all these things are good, there is Someone far greater we need to pursue. So often things take our focus away from the one and only thing that can bring true satisfaction. I know, I know, you’re about to say, “I’ve heard this a million times before! I even know the “church” answer to give – we should pursue God.” And you’re right – we should! But do you? Honestly? I have to admit, many times I don’t. I may sacrifice my time for a favorite activity, but do I spend just as much time (if not more) with God every day? Stop right now and search your heart. Is your relationship with God something you pursue? Or is it just a habit, a duty, or nonexistent altogether?
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer really challenged me in this area of my life. In his book Tozer focuses on Psalm 63:8, “My soul follows hard after thee: thy right hand upholds me.” He goes on to say that our very deepest longings are filled by God and God alone. So, where does this desire for God come from? Ultimately it begins with God. He has put a longing deep in our hearts for him. His Spirit moves in our lives when we trust in Jesus to restore our relationship with God, and we respond. We “follow hard” after God, because we know he is all that matters in life. We can hold on to the things of this world loosely because we have God who “satisfies your desires with good things” (Psalm 103:5). Whatever comes our way, whatever loss we may face, we’re still ok because we have Jesus.
You may not know what job, what major, or even what college to pursue, but all those things are small and insignificant compared to the decision you’re about to make. I want to challenge you, beginning right now, to pursue Jesus with everything. I guarantee you won’t regret it!
So, what are you going to pursue?
We pursue a number of things in our lives. As children, we chase after a toy or video we really want. In middle and high school, we pursue good grades, relationships, iPods, etc. We might pursue excellence in our talents and abilities like playing a sport or a musical instrument. We spend money, time, and sometimes even sacrifice relationships to get what we want. This doesn’t stop when we graduate from high school. In college we dedicate hours of our lives toward a degree. Afterwards we pursue success in our jobs, newer cars…and the list goes on.
And while all these things are good, there is Someone far greater we need to pursue. So often things take our focus away from the one and only thing that can bring true satisfaction. I know, I know, you’re about to say, “I’ve heard this a million times before! I even know the “church” answer to give – we should pursue God.” And you’re right – we should! But do you? Honestly? I have to admit, many times I don’t. I may sacrifice my time for a favorite activity, but do I spend just as much time (if not more) with God every day? Stop right now and search your heart. Is your relationship with God something you pursue? Or is it just a habit, a duty, or nonexistent altogether?
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer really challenged me in this area of my life. In his book Tozer focuses on Psalm 63:8, “My soul follows hard after thee: thy right hand upholds me.” He goes on to say that our very deepest longings are filled by God and God alone. So, where does this desire for God come from? Ultimately it begins with God. He has put a longing deep in our hearts for him. His Spirit moves in our lives when we trust in Jesus to restore our relationship with God, and we respond. We “follow hard” after God, because we know he is all that matters in life. We can hold on to the things of this world loosely because we have God who “satisfies your desires with good things” (Psalm 103:5). Whatever comes our way, whatever loss we may face, we’re still ok because we have Jesus.
You may not know what job, what major, or even what college to pursue, but all those things are small and insignificant compared to the decision you’re about to make. I want to challenge you, beginning right now, to pursue Jesus with everything. I guarantee you won’t regret it!
So, what are you going to pursue?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
take my life
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee
Take my moments and my days let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee
Take my silver and my gold not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use ev’ry power as You choose
Here am I, all of me
Take my life, it’s all for Thee
Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee
Take my moments and my days let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee
Take my silver and my gold not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use ev’ry power as You choose
Here am I, all of me
Take my life, it’s all for Thee
Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee
Monday, February 12, 2007
loser: part 3
I have a picture of a Giant Sequoia tree on my computer desktop. One of the highlights of my choir trip to California in college was standing beside these trees that towered hundreds of feet into the air. Did you know this tree had to lose something? As a seed in a cone, it had to lose everything. It went from sitting high up in a majestic tree to falling and being covered by dirt. It had to stay there, in the dirt and refuse of the forest for some time before an amazing change began to take place. It went from being a seed in a prickly cone to a delicate little tree. With each year, it continued to grow, until it reached over 300 feet!
The Giant Sequoia is a beautiful picture of the Christian life. Where are you right now? Are you the seed still sitting in the cone high up in a tree, afraid to lose whatever you hold dear? Are you down in the dirt, feeling as though you’ve lost your very life? Are you beginning to see signs of new growth? Wherever you may be, allow yourself to be a loser. Elisabeth Elliot is a woman who lost much in her life. Both she and her husband, Jim, were willing to lose it all for Jesus. Jim lost his life in the jungles of Ecuador as a missionary. Here is what Elisabeth has to say about loss:
“There is no ongoing spiritual life without this process of letting go. At the precise point where we refuse, growth stops. If we hold tightly to anything given to us, unwilling to let it go when the time comes to let it go or unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used, we stunt the growth of the soul…The truth is that it is ours to thank Him for and ours to lose, ours to let go of – if we want to find our true selves, if we want real Life, if our hearts are set on glory.”
The Giant Sequoia is a beautiful picture of the Christian life. Where are you right now? Are you the seed still sitting in the cone high up in a tree, afraid to lose whatever you hold dear? Are you down in the dirt, feeling as though you’ve lost your very life? Are you beginning to see signs of new growth? Wherever you may be, allow yourself to be a loser. Elisabeth Elliot is a woman who lost much in her life. Both she and her husband, Jim, were willing to lose it all for Jesus. Jim lost his life in the jungles of Ecuador as a missionary. Here is what Elisabeth has to say about loss:“There is no ongoing spiritual life without this process of letting go. At the precise point where we refuse, growth stops. If we hold tightly to anything given to us, unwilling to let it go when the time comes to let it go or unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used, we stunt the growth of the soul…The truth is that it is ours to thank Him for and ours to lose, ours to let go of – if we want to find our true selves, if we want real Life, if our hearts are set on glory.”
Sunday, February 11, 2007
loser: part 2
“Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” - Luke 9:23-24
You want me to be willing to lose my very life, Lord? But what does that mean? It means a willingness to hold to everything loosely, except for Jesus. Whether your loss is small or big, you’re still ok because you have Jesus.
Losing isn’t easy. It wouldn’t be considered a “loss” if it didn’t hurt. However, Christ calls us to daily lose the things of this world, to lose our desires and plans, to lose our very lives and follow him. There is one thing we should not lose – our hearts. “Therefore we do not lose heart…for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
He promises that loss will hurt and that we will suffer. But where we choose to fix our eyes makes all the difference. When our eyes are fixed on the ultimate goal: Christ’s glory, our sufferings seem light and momentary compared to what we will gain. The question is, “Is Jesus worth it?” Most definitely!
And here’s the best part: after we lose everything, after we have suffered, Jesus himself will restore us! Not only will we be restored, but we will be “mature and complete: lacking nothing.” These losses, painful as they may be, give us the ability to grow in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. When we come to truly believe this, the losses will not overwhelm us.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
loser: part 1
I’m a loser.
Have you ever lost something? If you’re anything like me, you’ve lost many things in your life. Sometimes the most frustrating loss is when you know you’ll misplace an object, so you take great pains to put it somewhere you will remember. However, after a short time, you’ve forgotten where that special place is and spend many unsuccessful hours searching for it.
Loss is something that everyone must face. I guess its just a part of life. We have many adaptations to help us to keep from losing things – a button on the phone base to keep us from losing our cordless phones, maps and GPS systems to keep us from losing our way, even special doctors to keep us from losing our minds.
But sometimes even with the best of intentions, we lose. Some losses are small – you may not even notice its missing until you find it years later. Other losses are much more painful – the loss of your health or job, the ending of a relationship, the loss of a dream, the death of a family member or friend.
Everywhere you look, people are trying to tell you to accumulate more things. Losing is weakness. Do whatever it takes to make sure you’re on top and you have everything you could want – and more. In contrast to this perspective, the life of a Christian should be characterized by loss. What??? God wants us to lose? Well, ok. I’ll lose the bad attitude and my sinful habits. Is that good enough? No? How about if I lose some of my time to ministry and service. Still not enough? What do you want from me, God?
Have you ever lost something? If you’re anything like me, you’ve lost many things in your life. Sometimes the most frustrating loss is when you know you’ll misplace an object, so you take great pains to put it somewhere you will remember. However, after a short time, you’ve forgotten where that special place is and spend many unsuccessful hours searching for it.
Loss is something that everyone must face. I guess its just a part of life. We have many adaptations to help us to keep from losing things – a button on the phone base to keep us from losing our cordless phones, maps and GPS systems to keep us from losing our way, even special doctors to keep us from losing our minds.
But sometimes even with the best of intentions, we lose. Some losses are small – you may not even notice its missing until you find it years later. Other losses are much more painful – the loss of your health or job, the ending of a relationship, the loss of a dream, the death of a family member or friend.
Everywhere you look, people are trying to tell you to accumulate more things. Losing is weakness. Do whatever it takes to make sure you’re on top and you have everything you could want – and more. In contrast to this perspective, the life of a Christian should be characterized by loss. What??? God wants us to lose? Well, ok. I’ll lose the bad attitude and my sinful habits. Is that good enough? No? How about if I lose some of my time to ministry and service. Still not enough? What do you want from me, God?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
wait.
I recently read this from one of my all-time favorite books: Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. I have always really loved the first line that describes waiting on God, but all of it spoke to my heart when I read it last night. It was just what I needed. Elisabeth is full of so much wisdom and a steadfast obedience to God's word.
"I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts.
'Truly my heart waits silently for God; my deliverance comes from him.
In truth he is my rock of deliverance, my tower of strength, so that I stand unshaken.
Trust always in God, my people, pour out your hearts before him; God is our shelter.'
A roof over our heads. A hedge. A windbreak. A warm coat. Shelter from attack - from onslaughts of doubt that God would take care of everything if I would simply trust Him - what if He didn't? Waiting silently is the hardest thing of all.
"I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts.
'Truly my heart waits silently for God; my deliverance comes from him.
In truth he is my rock of deliverance, my tower of strength, so that I stand unshaken.
Trust always in God, my people, pour out your hearts before him; God is our shelter.'
A roof over our heads. A hedge. A windbreak. A warm coat. Shelter from attack - from onslaughts of doubt that God would take care of everything if I would simply trust Him - what if He didn't? Waiting silently is the hardest thing of all.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
i have the best job
Today in Human Growth and Development we talked about dating (aka: going out). What this looks like for 6th graders, I'm still trying to figure out. Anyways, I've had some marvelous quotes from them the last couple of days. Even though the videos are from the 80's, it doesn't matter to them - the subject matter is fascinating. Their eyes are glued to the tv screen, and they are always asking questions. Here are some of my favorites:
After studying what it feels like to be attracted to someone:
"Miss Lutes, when you're holding a girl's hand, and your hand gets all sweaty - is that because her hand is hot?"
"Miss Lutes, when you're sitting next to a girl you like in a movie, and she turns to talk to you and your face gets all warm, is that because she has hot breath?"
We had some discussion time where I was fortunate enough to hear all their philosophies of dating. The appropriate time for students to begin dating according to 6th graders is 10-18 years old. #1 worry about dating: Is he/she cheating on me? How late should teenagers be allowed to stay out? From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Then go out again. (I don't know what they would be doing at 6 a.m.) Reasons not to let a guy in the house while you're babysitting: you might get grounded - FOREVER!
Here are some questions and comments from today:
"Miss Lutes, can you even remember that far back to what its like to date someone?"
"What did they call dating in your era?" (After I told them to ask grandparents and parents what they called a guy/girl relationship)
"How old are you anyway?"
"I think the guy should ask the girl out, and the girl should pay." (This got a dirty look from the girl sitting beside him. Somehow I don't think that method is going to work very well for him)
And my favorite...
"I don't mean to be a cupid or anything, but I think someone in this class likes you!" (Said to me as he ran out the door)
Yeah, I never thought I'd say it, but I love teaching Human Growth and Development.
After studying what it feels like to be attracted to someone:
"Miss Lutes, when you're holding a girl's hand, and your hand gets all sweaty - is that because her hand is hot?"
"Miss Lutes, when you're sitting next to a girl you like in a movie, and she turns to talk to you and your face gets all warm, is that because she has hot breath?"
We had some discussion time where I was fortunate enough to hear all their philosophies of dating. The appropriate time for students to begin dating according to 6th graders is 10-18 years old. #1 worry about dating: Is he/she cheating on me? How late should teenagers be allowed to stay out? From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Then go out again. (I don't know what they would be doing at 6 a.m.) Reasons not to let a guy in the house while you're babysitting: you might get grounded - FOREVER!
Here are some questions and comments from today:
"Miss Lutes, can you even remember that far back to what its like to date someone?"
"What did they call dating in your era?" (After I told them to ask grandparents and parents what they called a guy/girl relationship)
"How old are you anyway?"
"I think the guy should ask the girl out, and the girl should pay." (This got a dirty look from the girl sitting beside him. Somehow I don't think that method is going to work very well for him)
And my favorite...
"I don't mean to be a cupid or anything, but I think someone in this class likes you!" (Said to me as he ran out the door)
Yeah, I never thought I'd say it, but I love teaching Human Growth and Development.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
i hope i'm ready for this...
The picture pretty much says it all.
As of tomorrow, I will begin teaching my 6th graders the Human Growth and Development curriculum. The next two weeks may very well be the most memorable of my entire first year of teaching for a number of reasons:
- All the videos were made in 1985 (so the hair, clothing, music, and popular phrases are AMAZING).
- I get to watch the videos 5 times a day - this may be the last straw before I go crazy.
- The videos have not come in yet, so I don't really know what to do with my kids in the meantime.
- My mom always opted me out of sex ed when I was in elementary/middle school.
- I've seriously considered giving extra credit to any of my students who will cut their hair into a mullet.
- 6th grade kids + sex education. Need I say more?
Well, I should get back to lesson planning. Here goes nothing...
As of tomorrow, I will begin teaching my 6th graders the Human Growth and Development curriculum. The next two weeks may very well be the most memorable of my entire first year of teaching for a number of reasons:
- All the videos were made in 1985 (so the hair, clothing, music, and popular phrases are AMAZING).
- I get to watch the videos 5 times a day - this may be the last straw before I go crazy.
- The videos have not come in yet, so I don't really know what to do with my kids in the meantime.
- My mom always opted me out of sex ed when I was in elementary/middle school.
- I've seriously considered giving extra credit to any of my students who will cut their hair into a mullet.
- 6th grade kids + sex education. Need I say more?
Well, I should get back to lesson planning. Here goes nothing...
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